BACKSTORY PAGE
Previously On. Runs along the left side of the page interspersed with downsized panels from the previous issue where/if space permits.
Dimitri Sokolov makes bad decisions. Fleeing from a failed drug deal he encountered the Shadowmancer, a sorcerer capable of manipulating the essence of shadows and drawing knowledge from the darkness. In a fit of desperation, Dimitri grabbed a mysterious ritual knife and buried it into the old warlock’s heart. The blow let off an explosion of magical energy and left Dimitri baring the mantle of the Shadowmancer.
Still reeling from the implications, Dimitri was taken by his neighbor to Dr. Jean-Paul, a voodoo expert, who explained that his powers came from a Dark Place and that he must rid himself of them as soon as possible.
Since gaining his powers Dimitri has been hunted by gangsters who blamed him for the police interrupting their drug deal. After seeing his powers, they hired a fire mage to kill him, but their battle was inconclusive. Now both Dimitri and his opponent are preparing for their final battle as the eclipse approaches…
Character Bios. Runs along the right side of the page and each section is matched with a close up of the character’s face.
1. DIMITRI SOKOLOV: Dimitri is a graduate student of English literature at Portland State University. He’s the child of a family of Russian immigrants and gangsters originally from the east coast. After his mother died in childbirth, his father let Dimitri be raised by his Uncle Vlad, who installed the boy with a strong Mafiosi sense of honor.
2. NIKKI BARNES: Nikki is an undergraduate at PSU. Originally from Seattle, she came to Oregon to attend college. Soon after arriving she met Dimitri and the two have had a close relationship ever since. She is currently going cold turkey off her painkiller addiction.
3. JAMES STALLWORTH: James is a detective in the Portland Police Bureau. A lifelong resident of the city, he joined the force out of a genuine (some might say naive) desire to protect his community. He frequently has hunches which help him close cases, the result of latent psychic abilities.
4. DAVID HUGHES: David is a graphic artist who lives next door to Dimitri and Nikki. They were only generally acquainted until recently, when Dimitri confided in him that he had begun to hear voices. He has a soft-heart for charity cases.
5. PIERRE JEAN-PAUL: Pierre holds a Doctorate of Pharmacy from Xavier University of Louisiana, and is an expert practitioner traditional African mysticism as well as New Orleans Voodoo. He takes his responsibility for the physical and spiritual wellbeing of his patients very seriously.
6. THE BOSS: The Boss was the black sheep of a family with strong white nationalist paramilitary roots. He never fit into the militia lifestyle, but he used his family’s contacts with the skinhead gangs of Portland to build a powerful drug empire.
7. THE PYROMANCER: The Pyro is a magical mercenary with power over fire who offers his services to the highest bidder. A middle eastern man with a French passport and a slight Parisian accent; his origin and mystical training are cloaked in mystery. He has come to Portland after being hired by the Boss to slay the Shadowmancer.
8. JESSICA GORDON: Jess is a strange woman who has been the Boss’ lover and advisor for years. More than once, she has been assumed to be the real power behind the throne. Although not a sorceress herself, she has evidenced a knowledge of the occult far greater than the average.
PAGE ONE (six panels)
Panel 1. DAVID and NIKKI are sitting on the couch in the sitting room of PIERRE’s house.
1. NIKKI: It’s been a long time.
2. DAVID: James is some kind of psychic cop and you know Dr. Jean-Paul and Dimitri are both wizards of some kind.
Panel 2. A close up of NIKKI looking hysterical.
3. NIKKI: Know!? I don’t know anything! My boyfriend made some kind of pact with the devil for shadow magic powers and now gangsters are after him with a fire mage like something out of a video game!
Panel 3. NIKKI breaks into tears and DAVID wraps an arm around her to comfort her.
4. NIKKI: I’m sorry. I’m-
5. DAVID: It’s okay. You’ve been through a lot these past few days.
Panel 4. NIKKI grabs a tissue from the table in front of her and seems to have regained herself.
6. NIKKI: You’ve been through everything I have and you’re not a wreck.
7. DAVID: Not everything. I wasn’t kidnapped by psycho skinheads and I haven’t had to deal with all this while going through withdrawals.
Panel 5. A close up of NIKKI drying her eyes.
8. NIKKI: That’s what it comes back to doesn’t it. I wouldn’t have been kidnapped if I hadn’t been out trying to score.
9. DAVID (OFF): I didn’t mean it like-
10 NIKKI: I know, but it’s still true.
Panel 6. DAVID and NIKKI leap off the couch in anticipation as they hear someone enter the house.
11. DIMITRI (OFF): We’re back.
12. NIKKI: Dimitri?
PAGE TWO (six panels)
Panel 1. DAVID and NIKKI have rushed around to the front door where they have found PIERRE and DIMITRI limping inside.
1. PIERRE: Our spirits have not yet passed beyond.
2. DIMITRI: Barely.
Panel 2. DAVID rushes forward to help PIERRE as everyone heads towards the sitting room. NIKKI hangs back looking awkward.
3. DAVID: Thank God you’re alive.
4. DIMITRI: Alfred Nobel probably had more to do with it.
5. NIKKI: Dimitri I-
Panel 3. A close up of PIERRE being supported by DAVID.
6. PIERRE: David why don’t you help me make us all a pot of tea.
7. DAVID: Sounds like a good idea. A very large pot of tea.
Panel 4. NIKKI and DIMITRI are left alone and each takes chairs in the sitting room.
8. NIKKI: You’re alive.
9. DIMITRI: Yeah…
Panel 5. A close up of DIMITRI, he’s uncomfortable.
10. DIMITRI: Look, those men won’t ever threaten you again. I promise.
Panel 6. A close up of NIKKI.
11. NIKKI: You can’t promise that Dimitri, you don’t know for sure.
PAGE THREE (five panels)
Panel 1. DIMITRI stands up in front of his chair. NIKKI looks resigned.
1. DIMITRI: I won’t let them.
2. NIKKI: You’re not omnipotent Dimitri.
Panel 2. DIMITRI has started pacing back and forth but NIKKI still looks mostly the same.
3. NIKKI: I need to leave the city. I’m going back to my parents.
4. DIMITRI: That’s probably a good idea. When this is over I’ll call and-
5. NIKKI: No, Dimitri.
Panel 3. DIMITRI has sat down in his chair again with his hands steepled in front of him, lost in thought.
6. ANONYMOUS: You see how you have given everything to her and now she abandons you.
7. NIKKI: I can’t handle all this Dimitri. I need to get clean. I need to get away from all of this.
8. DIMITRI: I understand.
Panel 4. DIMITRI is still sitting in the same position. NIKKI has reached out to touch him but has come up short.
9. ANONYMOUS: She is pathetic and afraid.
10. NIKKI: I’m sorry it turned out like-
11. DIMITRI: It’s okay.
12. ANONYMOUS: She is not worthy of us.
Panel 5. A close up of DIMITRI’s face looking impassive.
13. DIMITRI: I understand.
PAGE FOUR (seven panels)
Panel 1. An exterior of the house, the sun is beginning to rise in the distance.
Panel 2. DAVID walks into the room yawning. DIMITRI is lying on his back on the couch staring upwards.
1. DAVID: Long night. Did you get at least a couple hours of sleep?
2. DIMITRI: Not really.
Panel 3. DAVID sits down while lighting a joint in his mouth. DIMITRI remains unmoved.
3. DAVID: Nikki asked me to drive her to the airport, said she was going to fly up to Seattle.
4. DIMITRI: Yeah. Make sure she gets all the way onto the plane safely, I’m sure they’re still looking for her.
Panel 4. DAVID exhales smoke and passes the joint to DIMITRI who takes it but is still staring at the ceiling.
5. DAVID: Are you okay? Do you want to talk about it?
6. DIMITRI: Yes I’m okay and there’s nothing to talk about.
Panel 5. A closer shot of just DIMITRI lying on his back on the sofa and smoking.
7. DAVID (OFF): Just going to John Wayne you’re feelings away then?
8. DIMITRI: Planning on it.
Panel 6. DIMITRI sits up on the couch and hands the joint back to DAVID.
9. DAVID: What are you going to do now?
10. DIMITRI: I’m going to find the man who did this to us and I’m going to kill him.
11. ANONYMOUS: Your enemies shall fall before our fury.
Panel 7. A close up of DAVID.
12. DAVID: I hesitate to call that the healthy way of dealing this.
PAGE FIVE (seven panels)
Panel 1. DIMITRI stands up in front of the sofa while DAVID continues to smoke.
1. DAVID: Or the legal way for that matter.
2. ANONYMOUS: They must die.
3. DIMITRI: I don’t have a choice.
Panel 2. DIMITRI walks around behind DAVID towards an end table. DAVID looks over his shoulder to continue to talk to him.
4. DAVID: You always have a choice Dimitri.
Panel 3. A close up of DIMITRI. He looks upset.
5. ANONYMOUS: He is a fool. Your enemies shall hunt him as well as long as they live.
6. DIMITRI: I can’t just sit back and let these guys come after me and the people I care about.
Panel 4. A close up of DAVID.
7. DAVID: There’s a whole lot of middle ground between those things.
Panel 5. DIMITRI has picked up his revolver from the table and is examining the weapon
8. DAVID: You’re not listening to me are you?
9. DIMITRI: Make sure she gets on the plane safe David, I mean that.
Panel 6. A close up of DAVID he looks concerned.
10. DAVID: I will.
11. DAVID: Look, just think about what I said okay?
Panel 7. DIMITRI leaves the sitting room. He waves at DAVID as he leaves but he doesn’t turn back to look at him.
12. ANONYMOUS: The path forward is clear.
13. DIMITRI: Sure thing.
PAGE SIX (six panels)
Panel 1. DIMITRI walks out onto the porch of the house where PIERRE sits sipping from a cup of tea. A plate with some toast on it sits on a small table.
1. PIERRE: You intend to pursue the men who hired the fire mage?
2. DIMITRI: Is this where you try and talk me out of it too?
Panel 2. DIMITRI sits down in another lawn chair on the porch next to PIERRE.
3. PIERRE: This organization presents a threat to you and so you will destroy them. It’s quite understandable.
4. DIMITRI: Well that’s refreshing.
Panel 3. A close up of PIERRE, he is still sipping his tea and considering his words carefully.
5. PIERRE: Dimitri I promised you that I would try and help you rid yourself of this curse and I promise you that however long it takes, I will.
6. DIMITRI (OFF): I appreciate that.
Panel 4. A view from above of ALEXIUS in his full shadow armor. He is sitting on a bench in the garden of the chateau reading a book.
7. PIERRE (CAPTION): There have been many shadowmancers in the past but I must be honest with you. I don’t believe a shadowmancer has ever renounced their power before, at least not successfully.
8. PIERRE (CAPTION): I don’t even know if it’s actually possible.
9. ANONYMOUS: There is no way.
Panel 5. A view from below of ALEXIUS standing and looking up at the full moon above.
10. PIERRE (CAPTION): Your abilities come from the Dark Place and it still has a hold on you.
11. ANONYMOUS: The bond is eternal.
Panel 6. PIERRE continues to sip his tea and DIMITRI looks over at him quizzically.
10. DIMITRI: So what are you saying? I’m evil aligned now?
11. PIERRE: In a way, but as usual life is more complicated then Dungeons and Dragons.
Panel 7. A close up of PIERRE thinking.
12. PIERRE: This power colors your aura and shapes your decisions. The more you allow the darkness to permeate through you the harder it becomes to separate you from it.
PAGE SEVEN (six panels)
Panel 1. The two continue to sit. DIMITRI reaches over and grabs a piece of toast off PIERRE’s plate.
1. DIMITRI: So you are going to tell me not to go after these guys.
2. PIERRE: I am saying you must secure a difficult balance.
Panel 2. A close up of PIERRE spreading jam over a piece of toast.
3. PIERRE: You must defend yourself. Yet this darkness does not affect just you. Those around you will be poisoned by it. You are a magnet for treachery, for murder.
Panel 3. The pair of them sit on the porch crunching their toast.
4. DIMITRI: Are you saying shadowmancy is the reason these gangsters are out for my blood?
5. PIERRE: Remember how you found the original shadowmancer. You were involved in illegal business hidden from view and then pursued by men who would do violence.
Panel 4. DIMITRI stands on the porch and watches the rising sun in the distance. PIERRE continues to drink his tea casually.
6. PIERRE: Nothing that happens is a true coincidence. At every step the darkness has pushed us further into chaos and towards destruction and it will continue to do so.
7. DIMITRI: Goddamn. So what do I do about it?
Panel 5. DIMITRI is about to leave and shakes hands with PIERRE just before he departs.
8. PIERRE: I have no panacea to offer you. I can only urge you to be aware of its influence.
9. DIMITRI: Thanks anyway old man. I appreciate everything you’ve done these past few days. After this I’ll be out of your metaphorical hair.
10. DIMITRI: All this spooky shadow shit just had to happen to me.
Panel 6. A close up of PIERRE looking contemplative.
11. PIERRE: Yes I believe it did.
PAGE EIGHT (seven panels)
Panel 1. An exterior shot of a gun shop downtown. It’s directly adjacent to a marijuana dispensary on one side and a religious book store on the other.
Panel 1. DIMITRI is in the gun shop standing in line while dialing a number on his cellphone.
1. DIMITRI: Yes I’d like to speak to Detective James… James… something. Look, I don’t remember his last name but he’s a black guy and he works narcotics I’m sure you can find him.
2. DIMITRI: Yes, I’ll hold.
Panel 3. DIMITRI has stepped up to the counter where the SHOP OWNER is standing. DIMITRI has pinned his phone between his head and his shoulder while he feels in his pockets for his wallet.
3. DIMITRI: A box of .357 Magnum ammo and speed loaders for the caliber.
4. SHOP OWNER: How many speed loaders?
5. DIMITRI: I don’t know. A fuck ton, five, at least but more like ten.
Panel 4. DIMITRI has his wallet in one hand and has tilted phone away from his mouth to speak with the SHOP OWNER
6. SHOP OWNER: That’s a lot.
7. SHOP OWNER: You’re not planning to, like; shoot up a school or something right?
8. DIMITRI: I’m literally on the phone with the police right now. Get me the damn bullets.
Panel 5. JAMES sitting in his office talking on the telephone. The other voices are emanating from the phone.
9. JAMES: Dimitri?
10. SHOP OWNER (OFF): That didn’t really answer my question.
11. DIMITRI (OFF): I’m paying cash, satisfied?
Panel 6. The SHOP OWNER leaves the counter to get the items. DIMITRI turns around to focus on his phone call.
12. SHOP OWNER: I’ll get your order sir.
13. DIMITRI: James, you there?
14. JAMES (OFF): Yeah, what is it?
Panel 7. A close up on DIMITRI looking serious.
15. DIMITRI: The man we saw leaving the apartment where they held Nikki. I need the address.
PAGE NINE (seven panels)
Panel 1. A close up of JAMES looking stressed.
1. DIMITRI (OFF): You said we’d talk about it later. We’re talking about it later.
2. JAMES: Yeah I guess.
Panel 2. JAMES is reading from a file and paper clipped to it is a picture of the BOSS.
3. JAMES: This guy is big time, affiliated with half the skinheads and white supremacists in the state. Not a racist himself as far as we know, just using them to distribute his drugs.
4. DIMITRI (OFF): If you know all this already why haven’t you arrested him?
Panel 3. DIMITRI grabs takes a bag with the items he’s purchased.
5. JAMES (OFF): Not a priority concern, according to the department.
6. DIMITRI: He’s rich, white and greased palms.
Panel 4. DIMITRI walks out onto the street still talking on the phone.
7. JAMES (OFF): Pretty much.
8. DIMITRI: So let me handle this.
Panel 5. A close up of JAMES looking serious.
9. JAMES: Listen, before I met you my partner and best friend Max was still alive and I never even heard of any of this magic bullshit.
10. JAMES: I didn’t believe in magic then and I still don’t now.
11. DIMITRI (OFF): James-
12. JAMES: Let me finish.
Panel 6. A view of a picture in a frame hanging on the wall of the office. The picture is off JAMES and MAX standing beside each other for an office picture. Everyone else is smiling awkwardly but JAMES and MAX are goofing off giving each other rabbit ears.
13. JAMES (OFF): I’m going to give you an address of a mansion that’s more like a fortress because I don’t believe any man is capable of doing anything with that information by himself.
14. JAMES (OFF): Afterwards I wash my hands of this. I don’t want to see you again. I want to go back to my old life. I want to be just a normal cop again.
Panel 7. A close up of DIMITRI.
15. DIMITRI: Thank-you James.
16. JAMES (OFF): Don’t thank me. Just do whatever it is that you do.
PAGE TEN (five panels)
Panel 1. A wide shot of a walled in mansion. There are a number of armed guards on patrol all around the grounds.
Panel 2. The BOSS is sitting at his desk slamming his fist on it while the PYROMANCER and JESSICA stand nearby. The PYROMANCER is playing with his lighter in one hand but also has a rolled up newspaper in the other.
1. BOSS: I don’t care how you do it how much money it takes, I’ll pay your double or triple if you want. I want him dead.
2. PYROMANCER: The fee you have already provided is more than sufficient. He has profaned against the holy name of Ahura Mazda and must burn.
Panel 3. JESSICA and the PYROMANCER talk to each other while the BOSS continues to rant behind them.
3. JESSICA: You’re a weird guy, you know that?
4. PYROMANCER: Many have said this before madam.
5. BOSS: You need men? No problem, as many as you want. Equipment? My boys will get anything you need.
Panel 4. The PYROMANCER has taken a seat on a chair in front of the desk. He is staring at the flame emanating from his lighter.
6. PYROMANCER: Your men are superfluous. When the final battle comes it will between the two of us alone.
7. JESSICA: You sound like something out of a movie; I suppose you’ve heard that before too.
8. BOSS: How long will it take you to track him down?
Panel 5. The PYROMANCER throws the newspaper onto the desk.
9. PYROMANCER: I won’t need to track him down at all.
10. JESSICA: It makes me feel all a tingle when men say things so mysteriously like that.
Panel 6. A close up of the newspaper as the BOSS reads it. It’s a story about the eclipse which will pass over the city.
11. PYROMANCER (OFF): He will be here in less than an hour.
PAGE ELEVEN (seven panels)
Panel 1. The BOSS has tossed the newspaper aside and now JESSICA is reading it. The PYROMANCER plays with the flame of his lighter holding his hand over it.
1. BOSS: Are you sure?
2. PYROMANCER: His allies attacked me immediately after you departed. You were seen and it is a simple matter to track you here.
3. JESSICA: A showdown at the point of totality. Delicious.
Panel 2. The BOSS looks a bit frantic. The PYROMANCER finally puts away his lighter and begins to look serious.
4. BOSS: I’ll put all my men on alert.
5. PYROMANCER: If you do or do not makes no difference. However I recommend having every light in the house turned on. The darkness will only be temporary so you should open all the curtains as well.
Panel 3. The BOSS begins looking through the drawers of his desk. JESSICA has walked up behind the PYROMANCER begun tracing her finger along his neck.
6. BOSS: I’m radioing my guys now. I’ll have them lock all the doors and windows too.
7. PYROMANCER: Lock nothing. He will not enter through physical space and your locks may hinder my pursuit if he flees.
Panel 4. The BOSS begins talking on the radio while the PYROMANCER waves away JESSICA looking annoyed.
8. BOSS: Yeah Chief, have our guys turn on every light in the house. Even the fucking closets, got it? If they’re burned out replace ‘em. If there’s one Goddamn bulb still out in 15 minutes it’s your ass!
9. PYROMANCER: Also have them light every fireplace.
Panel 5. A close up of the BOSS on the radio but in the background the PYROMANCER can be seen leaving the rooms.
10. BOSS: I’ll do you one better.
11. BOSS: Chief I also want you to light every fireplace, get them roaring hot. Break out the candles, light every burner on the stove and even the Goddamn barbecue in the back yard.
Panel 6. The BOSS is smirking and in the process of setting down the radio and sits at the desk while JESSICA stands behind him and massages his back.
12. BOSS: We’ll get this cock sucker.
13. BOSS: Yes I know it’s august! Turn up the AC and then just fucking do it.
14. JESSICA: You damn well better get him. If you don’t…
Panel 7. A close up of JESSICA her face is somber but she’s making a finger gun and pointing it towards the reader.
15. JESSICA: …You’re dead.
PAGE TWELVE (six panels)
Panel 1. A view from underneath of a pair of GUARDS standing in the grounds of the BOSS’ mansion. In the sky the sun is visible but it is already partially covered by the moon and the sunlight is very dim. The GUARDS are armed with Uzis. One of them is looking up at the sky.
1. GUARD 1: It’s getting real dark out.
2. GUARD 2: Don’t stare at it idiot.
Panel 2. A shot from above showing more of the grounds. The mansion is surrounded by a high wall which DIMITRI dressed in his shadow armor effortlessly leaps over. The first GUARD is still staring up at the sky.
3. GUARD 1: Why not?
4. GUARD 2: You’ll burn your eyes and go blind.
Panel 3. The first GUARD is freaking out while the second GUARD laughs. DIMITRI passes behind both of them staying in the shade of some trees.
5. GUARD 1: What really!? I’ve been staring at it for like ten minutes why didn’t you say something!
Panel 4. The CHAUFFER and the CHIEF are standing on the back patio by the barbeque which the CHIEF is using. The CHIEF is a heavyset man with thick curly hair and a Super Mario mustache; he is dressed in an all-black suit which is bulky from the body armor and holstered weapon under it. Nearby is a garden shed built against the main house.
6. CHAUFFER: You’re making hamburgers?
7. CHIEF: Boss wants the barbecue lit, I light the barbecue. I may as well use the damn thing.
Panel 5. The CHAUFFER and the CHIEF continue to chat while DIMITRI opens the door and goes into the shed.
8. CHAUFFER: Why did he want all the lights on?
9. CHIEF: No clue, maybe he’s scared of the dark. Want one?
Panel 6. DIMITRI stands in front of a large fuse box. He wraps shadows around his fist and prepares to smash it.
10. CHAUFFER (OFF): Of course.
PAGE THIRTEEN (five panels)
Panel 1. The PYROMANCER and the BOSS are sitting at his desk. The BOSS looks anxious but the PYROMANCER is relaxed and as always playing with fire. JESSICA has her arms wrapped around the BOSS from behind and is kissing his neck.
1. BOSS: How much longer?
2. PYROMANCER: The totality nears, not long now.
Panel 2. The panel is completely dark aside from the flame of the PYROMANCER’s lighter.
3. PYROMANCER: He’s here.
4. BOSS: The backup generator will kick on in a second.
Panel 3. The PYROMANCER is suddenly all business. He stands up and is preparing to leave. The BOSS is smirking and JESSICA still has her arms around him but has looked up at the PYROMANCER.
5. BOSS: There.
6. PYROMANCER: It’s too late. He is already inside.
Panel 4. A close up of the BOSS and JESSICA. The BOSS looks terrified. JESSICA has let go of him and she looks neutral.
7. FX (OFF): BANG!
8. BOSS: What the fuck was that!?
9. JESSICA: I think that was the first of our lights being shot out.
Panel 5. The PYROMANCER leaves the room. Behind him JESSICA has broken away from the BOSS who is shouting into the radio he picked up from the desk.
10. PYROMANCER: You will not see me again until it is time.
11. BOSS: Chief, an intruder got past you! Get everyone inside now!
PAGE FOURTEEN (seven panels)
Panel 1. The two GUARDS from outside stack up on either side of a door inside the mansion.
1. GUARD 1: Gunshot sounded like it came from in there.
2. GUARD 2: On three. One. Two…
Panel 2. The second GUARD kicks open the door revealing a dark room.
3. GUARD 2: Three!
Panel 3. The two GUARDS enter the room. Behind them hiding in the shadows near the door they just entered is DIMITRI with his gun in one hand and the end of a noose made out of shadows in the other. The noose is suspended by seemingly nothing along the shadows on the roof and has wrapped itself around the second GUARD’s neck.
4. GUARD 1: There’s no one in here?
5. GUARD 2: Urk!
6. ANONYMOUS: They stand in your way.
Panel 4. The first GUARD turns to help his friend when DIMITRI kills him with a shot in the head.
7. GUARD 1: What the fu-
8. FX: Bang!
9 ANONYMOUS: Punish them.
Panel 5. The CHIEF and a number of other guards are all massed up in the hall outside the door that was smashed down with their weapons drawn. It’s inky black inside the room.
10. CHIEF: He’s in there!
11. GUARD 3: It’s so dark in there I can’t see a thing!
12. CHIEF: Stay in cover and the second something comes into the light blow it away!
13. ANONYMOUS: Our time is near.
Panel 6. An action shot of the ceiling light being struck by a bullet.
14. FX: Bang!
Panel 7. Another view of the group out in the hall but now it’s plunged into darkness.
15. CHIEF: Oh shit!
16. ANONYMOUS: Show them our glory.
PAGE FIFTEEN (five panels)
Panel 1. An action shot of a battle in the hallway. A couple GUARDs are being strangled by nooses while others are being impaled and dismembered on blades of shadow etc. Automatic fire is being sprayed everywhere and the few bullets that come close to DIMITRI are blocked by a shield like he used against JEFF. DIMITRI is personally gunning down the CHIEF who is responsible for the most effective fire against him.
1. ANONYMOUS: YES!
Panel 2. The CHAUFFER bursts through a door firing his Uzi wildly.
2. CHAUFFER: Eat this you son of a bitch!
3. FX: *automatic fire*
Panel 3. A shot from behind the CHAUFFER as he looks into the hallway his is coated in the gore of his companions. DIMITRI is unharmed and appraises him coldly.
4. CHAUFFER: Oh hell…
Panel 4. The CHAUFER tries to turn and run but his feet are stuck in shadow and he can’t move them.
5. CHAUFFER: Oh hell, oh hell!
Panel 5. THE CHAUFER turns over his shoulder to see DIMITRI pointing his revolver at his head.
6. CHAUFFER: …hell.
7. DIMITRI: Find out who did this to me when you get there won’t you?
PAGE SIXTEEN (six panels)
Panel 1. JESSICA is alone in the BOSS’ office. She’s approaching a large safe with a bag.
1. FX (OFF): BANG!
2. JESSICA: I love you dearly but I’m not staying here a moment longer.
Panel 2. A shot from over her shoulder as JESSICA is opening the safe.
3. JESSICA: There’s half a million in cash in here. Enough for a new life.
4. DIMITRI (OFF): But you’re old one isn’t even over…
5. FX (OFF): Click.
Panel 3. A shot from in front of JESSICA looking back at her as she takes money out of the safe and putting it into a bag. The lights are suddenly turned off and DIMITRI is behind her with a gun pointed at her head.
6. DIMITRI: Yet.
Panel 4. JESSICA turns around to face DIMITRI with her hands in the air who keeps his gun trained on her.
7. JESSICA: I don’t know what your problem with him is but I’m just his girlfriend. I just want to leave.
8. DIMITRI: You say you don’t know anything, but I saw you at the apartments.
9. ANONYMOUS: Let her live.
Panel 5. DIMITRI is talking to himself while JESSICA looks confused.
10. DIMITRI: Why?
11. ANONYMOUS: Others will take up the mantel of leadership here when we leave. A survivor will spread word. This will teach them all to fear.
12. DIMITRI: Fine.
13. JESSICA: I wasn’t-
Panel 6. DIMITRI dismisses JESSICA and walks away. She immediately begins emptying the safe.
14. DIMITRI: Get out of here girl, but leave a hundred thousand in the safe. If you remain here or take all the money your life is forfeit.
15. JESSICA: Don’t worry I want to be out of here as soon as possible.
PAGE SEVENTEEN (five panels)
Panel 1. DIMITRI walks into a large sitting room where the BOSS is waiting sitting in an easy chair next to a large fireplace. Next to the door is an end table with a lamp on it but it is turned off.
1. BOSS: You’ve finally arrived.
2. DIMITRI: Sorry to keep you waiting.
Panel 2. A shot of DIMITRI casually knocking the lamp off the table to smash it.
3. FX: Crash!
4. BOSS (OFF): You didn’t need to do that. I turned it off to make you more comfortable.
Panel 3. DIMITRI approaches the BOSS with his gun trained on him. The BOSS is exceedingly pleased with himself.
5. DIMITRI: You’ve certainly made this easier than I thought you would.
6. DIMITRI: But you’re still going to die.
7. BOSS: I don’t think so Dimitri.
Panel 4. DIMITRI and the BOSS both turn in surprise at the sound of a new voice.
8. PYROMANCER (OFF): Actually he is correct.
9: DIMITRI: You’re harder to kill then I thought.
10. BOSS: What are you-
Panel 5. The PYROMANCER steps into the open. He causes flames to leap out of the fireplace at the other two. The BOSS is completely consumed but DIMITRI dives out of the room.
11. BOSS: AUGH!
12. PYROMANCER: You die here Ahriman!
PAGE EIGHTEEN (seven panels)
Panel 1. The two are in the office, the safe is open but JESSICA is gone. The PYROMANCER has a canister of butane in one hand and his lighter in the other. DIMITRI uses the desk for cover as the PYROMANCER sends a stream of butane at him them sends a burst of flame from his lighter to set the stream on fire.
1. DIMITRI: Glad to see you’re still nuts.
2. DIMITRI: Wasn’t that the guy paying you?
3. PYROMANCER: Money is now of no consequence. The shadow has risen and the battle must be joined with holy fire.
Panel 2. DIMITRI runs out of the office taking shots at the PYROMANCER as he does so. The PYROMANCER easily blocks the bullets with a shield of fire.
4. PYROMANCER: You always run Ahriman but it will not save you!
Panel 3. DIMITRI rushes into the kitchen. He fires his gun upwards knocking out the light. The gas stove is burning.
5. FX: BANG!
6. ANONYMOUS: Deviate from your course. Flame lies in this direction. They are small but their tongues lick out and send tremors through the shade.
7. DIMITRI: Just what I was hoping for.
Panel 4. A shot from the doorway of the kitchen as the PYROMANCER slowly walks towards it.
8. FX (OFF): CRASH!
9. PYROMANCER: My former employer lit fires everywhere and they sing to me.
Panel 4. A shot from behind as the PYROMANCER enters the room. DIMITRI is nowhere to be seen but the oven has been thrown away from the wall with great force.
10. PYROMANCER: He was must thorough, there is nowhere for you to hide.
Panel 5. A close up of the busted gas pipe.
9. FX: Hissssssss.
10. PYROMANCER (OFF): Not again…
Panel 6. A shot of DIMITRI taking cover outside the kitchen as a massive explosion is heard from inside.
11. FX: BOOM!
PAGE NINETEEN (seven panels)
Panel 1. The kitchen has been absolutely destroyed and the walls have blown out revealing the outside. The PYROMANCER stands in the middle of room. He’s contained most of the blast which came towards him into a massive fireball which he levitates in front of himself. There’s no damage anywhere behind him.
1. PYROMANCER: You’re a fool to think you could use this explosion to kill me.
2. DIMITRI (OFF): No.
Panel 2. A shot from below. The fireball fades and collapses into nothing. In the sky the eclipse has reached its totality. DIMITRI has discarded his gun and holds the darkblade. Shadows are slowly crawling up over his face.
3. DIMITRI: That’s not the reason for it.
4. PYROMANCER: What?
Panel 3. The PYROMANCER’s fireball has been completely doused by a cloud of writhing darkness. For the first time he looks frightened. DIMITRI’s face has been covered by an ebony mask. DIMITRI’s voice has changed, it’s a word bubble emanating from him but aesthetically it shows all the signs of the ANONYMOUS. The two of them have become fully united.
5. DIMITRI: You’re the fool.
Panel 4. DIMITRI lunges forward and slashes the PYROMANCER’s chest with the darkblade.
6. PYROMANCER: AUGH!
Panel 5. The PYROMANCER falls back clutching his chest. He tosses his can of butane at DIMITRI and uses a gout of flame to set it alight but it falls harmlessly into another cloud of darkness summoned by DIMITRI.
7. PYROMANCER: It’s like ice but it burns! What foul magic do you wield?!
Panel 6. The PYROMANCER wraps fire from his lighter around his fists and tries a double fisted downwards swing. DIMITRI ducks underneath and grabs the wrists in the air.
Panel 7. DIMITRI uses his darkblade to sever the PYROMANCER’s right hand.
8. PYROMANCER: AUGH!
PAGE TWENTY (six panels)
Panel 1. A shot of the PYROMANCER’s severed hand still clutching the lighter. In the background the two fighting can be seen. DIMITRI is kicking the PYROMANCER to the ground.
Panel 2. The PYROMANCER is lying in a pool of blood. He is severely injured but reaches towards his severed limb with his left hand.
Panel 3. DIMITRI steps on the PYROMANCER’s still connected hand to prevent him from reaching the lighter.
1. PYROMANCER: AUGH!
2. DIMITRI: It’s over.
Panel 4. DIMITRI kicks the lighter away while a resigned looking PYROMANCER tries to pull himself up into a sitting position.
3. PYROMANCER: You are correct. It is finished.
Panel 5. A close up of the PYROMANCER.
4. PYROMANCER: I am vanquished but I beg you show me mercy. That blade is a thing of evil. You must not-
Panel 6. An action shot of DIMITRI jamming the darkblade into the PYROMANCER’s heart.
5. DIMITRI: We’re through being nice.
6. PYROMANCER: AUGH!
7. DIMITRI: Fuck you.
PAGE TWENTY ONE (five panels)
Panel 1. A wide shot taken from a distance of smoke rising from the mansion which is partially in flames. The lawn is littered in bodies. The sun is visible coming out in the distance but the mansion itself is still in shadow.
1. NARRATION: The house and the bodies continued to burn and I walked away.
2. NARRATION: I had won… I guess.
Panel 2. DIMITRI is coming out of the house moving unhurriedly. He’s tossing off the ebony mask as he walks. In one hand he’s holding a blood stained pillow case filled with money. The sun is moving across the yard in the background and has nearly reached him.
3. NARRATION: The thing in my head was jubilant, exalting in its power.
Panel 3. A shot from above as DIMITRI looks up at the emerging sun using his hand to keep the light out of his eyes. His armor is beginning to melt away.
4. NARRATION: I had let the darkness- the monster inside me out. And now I knew what it looked like.
Panel 4. A repeat of panel 3 but further up so that the whole mansion is visible. DIMITRI’s armor is almost gone.
5. NARRATION: I should never have opened that gate and thank God the sun’s come out and put the monster back inside.
Panel 5. Another repeat but even further back so that the entire neighborhood is visible. DIMITRI is just a speck.
6. NARRAION: While the world was in darkness nothing else came out. I was damn lucky.
PAGE TWENTY TWO (four panels)
Panel 1. A small panel of a hand placing a red pin into a map hanging on a wall. It’s print out of a google map and the spot matches the roof of the destroyed mansion. The point of view of the map looks the same as the end of the last page.
1. NARRATION: I suppose I should have considered the possible consequences but like I’ve said before…
Panel 2. A close up of a newspaper headline reading: VIOLENT CRIME RATE INCREASES THREE FOLD FOLLOWING ECLIPSE.
Panel 3. A close up of a newspaper article titled: DOCTORS BAFFLED BY RASH OF “ECLIPSE SUICIDES”.
Panel 4. A nearly full page splash of a grizzled looking middle aged reporter in a suit with his jacket off and his sleeves rolled up. His office is messy and cluttered with reports which tell basically variations of what the previous two panels say. He stands in from of the map which takes up the whole wall. Other red pins are all over the map; they are all clustered around the mansion and become less frequent away from the epicenter which is clearly the mansion.
2. NARRATION: …I make bad decisions.